"Nassau County - Long Island, New York"

Mangano Awards $3.4 Million For Local Community Improvement Projects

Nassau County Executive Edward P. Mangano announced that the Town of Hempstead will receive nearly $3.4 million in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds for town-wide residential and downtown improvement projects as well as the Town of Hempstead's economic development and jobs program.

The Nassau County Office of Community Development receives a direct allocation of CDBG funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Approximately 80% of the County’s funds are distributed to participating local municipalities for revitalization projects, infrastructure improvements, public service initiatives, parks and playground enhancements, code enforcement and providing access to the disabled.

“These projects are a great example of federal, county and local governments working together to improve our community.From commercial and residential revitalization efforts to improving public facilities throughout the Town of Hempstead, these Federal funds help strengthen our neighborhoods and improve our local economy,” said County Executive Mangano.

Grant funds may also be used to rehabilitate eligible homes, and for anti-poverty housing initiatives. Communities, which are encouraged to develop their own programs, must promote the national CDBG objectives to give the highest funding priority to activities benefitting low/moderate income persons and the elimination or prevention of slums and blight.

“Hempstead Town is pleased to be receiving $3.4 million in federal grant monies to help revitalize communities and provide opportunities for residents,” stated Hempstead Town Supervisor Kate Murray. “From completing downtown beautification projects to building affordable homes, these community enhancement grants will help make our downtowns more economically vibrant and local neighborhoods more desirable.”

The CDBG funds include:

$570,000 for residential rehabilitation to low and moderate income homeowners to eliminate code violations and make needed improvements;

$550,000 for costs to run the residential rehabilitation program;

$542,000 for administration related to the planning and execution of community development activities;

$500,000 for Roosevelt for revitalization of Nassau Road and infrastructure improvements relating to affordable housing development;

$267,286 for Public Facilities and Improvements in eligible low/moderate areas throughout the Town of Hempstead;

$250,000 to Elmont for revitalization of parcels in the vicinity of Hempstead Turnpike;

$223,000 for town-wide commercial rehabilitation, including improvements to building facades in several Central Business Districts;

$200,000 for costs to run the commercial rehabilitation program;

$100,000 to Uniondale for improvements along Uniondale Avenue from Front Street to Jerusalem Avenue, Nassau Road and Hempstead Turnpike;

$100,000 for staff support for intake of the Town’s Small Business Economic Development Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) and implementation of the Excelsior Jobs Program;

$25,000 to Elmont for acquisition costs relating to projects at Community Corners; $10,000 for demolition costs related to Community Corners along Hempstead Turnpike; and $15,000 to Elmont for relocation costs and $25,000 for disposition costs related to Community Corners.

$10,000 to Baldwin for revitalization of parcels in the vicinity of Merrick Road and Grand Avenue;

Funds will be reimbursed as projects are completed, which should be over the course of the next three to four years.